Planning Ahead.

With the final version of the Auckland Unitary Plan looming and demand growing, Babbage has added two more experts to its planning team.

“A lot of people are wondering how the Unitary Plan will affect their developments,” planning manager Joe Gray says.

“We’ve expanded the team to meet the demand for advice and we’re looking at further growth.”

The Babbage planning team supports the consultancy’s architects and project managers, but also provides consultancy services directly to councils and other clients.

Vishal Chandra, who has more than 10 years experience, covering Auckland Council, Auckland Transport and private practice, joined Babbage in September, and Rishi Buggaveeti joined the team after two years at Auckland Council.

“We’re well placed to guide our clients through the demands of the Unitary Plan both as regulations stand now, and as the plan develops,” Joe says.

“But there’s growth in so many areas and it’s vital we provide prompt advice to help our experts and our clients through the consenting processes.”

The Babbage planning team specialises in resource consents, providing policy advice, feasibility studies and planning support for infrastructure developments and subdivisions.

It’s working on areas such as retirement villages, apartments, hospitals, hotels and other residential projects, as well as regional developments, particularly for dairy processing facilities.

“For any project it’s crucial to identify what the statutory limitations are and where approval is required,” Joe says.

“We’ve got the team for the job, but as growth continues, we’ll be looking at expanding the team as well.”